Bangladesh has expressed a strong interest in enhancing bilateral trade and economic engagement with Algeria in key sectors such as apparel, pharmaceuticals, industrial raw materials—including LNG and metals—as well as electronic and light engineering products.
"Bangladesh is eager to boost bilateral trade and economic relations with Algeria," said Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin during a meeting with the president of the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in Algiers on Tuesday, according to a message received on Wednesday.
The foreign secretary is currently leading a Bangladesh delegation in Algiers for the second Foreign Office Consultation between Bangladesh and Algeria.
Emphasizing the expanding nature of bilateral trade, the foreign secretary expressed optimism that further progress could be made if more businesses from both countries explored additional avenues for engagement.
He outlined the existing and potential areas of trade between the two nations and suggested that the Chamber explore joint venture opportunities in shipbuilding, ICT, and agriculture.
The president of the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the foreign secretary and expressed Algeria’s interest in deepening economic ties with Bangladesh.
He acknowledged Bangladesh’s achievements in export-oriented industries and underscored the potential for increased trade in energy, construction, and agro-processing.
Echoing this sentiment, the foreign secretary laid out an action plan that includes, among other initiatives, an online meeting to commence bilateral interactions in 2025, participation in each other's international trade fairs, the formation of a joint business forum, and the exchange of business delegations between their respective capitals.
Additionally, both parties agreed on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and ACCI, which is currently pending.
The president of the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the foreign secretary’s proposals and said that Algeria would encourage Bangladeshi companies to participate in its upcoming International Trade Fair and Intra-Africa Trade Fair, scheduled to be held in Algiers in June and September 2025, respectively.
He assured that his Chamber would prioritize the proposals and facilitate their implementation.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening Bangladesh-Algeria trade relations, fostering economic growth, and promoting business-to-business connections between the two friendly nations.